A weekend to remember at Motegi: a controlled win for Bagnaia, a comeback for the ages from Marquez, and a long-awaited podium return for Honda.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) delivered a masterclass at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, taking his first double victory of the season in supreme fashion. The reigning champion was calm under pressure and clinical in execution, even as worrying signs of smoke from his Ducati caused tension in the pit box. It was a triumph of composure for Bagnaia, who reaffirmed his authority in MotoGP after recent stumbles.
Just behind him, the bigger story of the day unfolded. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) secured second place and, with it, a historic seventh MotoGP World Championship. This was not just a victory of points but a victory of perseverance. More than 2,100 days after his last premier-class crown, following four operations and years of setbacks, Marquez completed what many are already calling the greatest comeback in sporting history.
The podium was completed by Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), who finally returned to the rostrum after a barren spell dating back to 2021. For Honda, on home soil at Motegi, it was a podium that felt like a victory — a reminder that their rebuilding project is beginning to bear fruit.
Early Exchanges: Bagnaia Takes Control
When the lights went out, Bagnaia wasted no time. He launched perfectly from the line, seizing the holeshot into Turn 1, while rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) slotted into second after an electric getaway. Marc Marquez, composed and calculating, settled into third. Behind them, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez were lurking, ready to strike.
Mir, who had dropped to sixth on the opening lap after starting from the front row, immediately began a recovery mission. By lap two, Bagnaia had carved out a seven-tenths lead over Acosta, stretching it further with a rapid 1:44.4 on lap three. The Italian looked untouchable — at least for the moment.
Luca Marini’s hopes of delivering another strong result for Honda came to an early end, the Italian suffering a technical failure on his RC213V. That retirement left Mir as Honda’s sole hope for home glory, and he was making it count by staying glued to Marc Marquez’s rear wheel.
Marquez Moves, Mir Climbs, Bagnaia Smokes
By lap six, Bagnaia’s advantage had grown beyond two seconds. But behind, the podium fight was heating up. A mistake from Marquez at Turn 5 allowed Mir to close in, and another slip at Turn 10 a few laps later gave the #36 further encouragement.
Acosta’s pace began to fade, and on lap 11, Marquez pounced at Turn 3 to steal second place. Almost immediately, his rhythm aligned with Bagnaia’s, though the gap to his teammate was nearly four seconds. Mir smelled blood too, sliding past Acosta with a decisive move at Turn 7.
Then came the twist: faint but visible smoke began trailing from Bagnaia’s Ducati. The paddock, the pit wall, and millions of fans watching held their breath. Was disaster looming? Despite the nerves, the Italian’s pace barely faltered, and the gap held steady at just over four seconds. Ducati could only hope it was nothing terminal.
Meanwhile, Acosta’s slide down the order continued, first losing out to Bezzecchi and then Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). The rookie’s brave ride had turned into a salvage operation.
The Closing Laps: History Beckons
With seven laps remaining, the race picture crystallised: Bagnaia cruising up front, Marquez in a title-winning second, and Mir holding strong in third to Honda’s delight. Bezzecchi was threatening from fourth but unable to close the gap, while Acosta’s race unraveled completely with a run-off at Turn 1.
Even as smoke persisted from Bagnaia’s Ducati, the Italian never flinched. By the closing stages, his lead had stabilised at around two seconds, enough to control the race without unnecessary risk.
As the final lap began, Marquez stole one last glance over his shoulder. Nothing but clear tarmac. No threats, no drama — just destiny. Bagnaia crossed the line to complete a sublime double at Motegi. Seconds later, Marquez rolled home to secure his seventh MotoGP World Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
Behind them, Mir finally delivered Honda a home podium, ending years of frustration with a performance full of grit and precision.
The Final Word: Triumphs and Tears
Bezzecchi claimed fourth after a spirited ride, fending off Morbidelli, while Alex Marquez settled for sixth. The rest of the top ten featured Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha), Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR), and rookie Fermín Aldeguer (Gresini Racing).
But the spotlight belonged to two men: Bagnaia, who rediscovered his ruthless edge, and Marquez, who wrote perhaps the most remarkable chapter of his career.
Seven titles, separated by four surgeries, four years, and a comeback story that transcends sport. For Marquez, this wasn’t just about numbers. It was about resilience, reinvention, and redemption.
And for Honda, Mir’s podium ensured the home fans had their own moment to celebrate.
Motegi 2025 will be remembered not just as another race, but as the day MotoGP history was rewritten. And with Indonesia up next, the question isn’t whether the drama continues — it’s how much bigger it can get.
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